The first realistic chance of qualification came in 1989 when the warriors needed only a draw at home to the United States of America, but a 1-0 defeat meant the chance was gone and Italia 90 wasn't to be. 15 years later the dream became a reality. Ironically during the 1990 World Cup in Italy Holland's coach (then somewhat unknown) Leo Beenhakker was critized for the teams performance in the finals achieving 3 draws and 1defeat, and now he will surely go down in history as the greatest coach to ever manage the national side.